Action Wrestling and RIPW Open 2026 With High-Octane “Players Ball” Event

  Photos by Matt Watkins By Noah Khalaf: Action Wrestling and Renegade Independent Professional Wrestling rang in the new year in emphatic f...

 

Photos by Matt Watkins

By Noah Khalaf:

Action Wrestling and Renegade Independent Professional Wrestling rang in the new year in emphatic fashion with The Players Ball, a crossover event that delivered six hard-hitting matches and set the tone for what promises to be a pivotal month for both promotions. 

Rather than competing under brand banners, wrestlers entered the night fighting for individual pride and momentum. From technical showcases to outright brawls, the card offered nonstop action and planted several storylines that will continue at RIPW Unshackled on February 1st. 

Keelin Cole def. Damian Stryker 

The opening contest featured one of independent wrestling’s most reliable antagonists in Damien Striker against Georgia standout Keelin Cole. Striker drew immediate heat upon entering, proving once again his ability to turn even the coldest crowd firmly against him. Cole’s selling throughout the bout elevated the match, particularly during Striker’s relentless offense in the corners, which had fans visibly wincing. Wrestling a more measured style than usual, Cole weathered the storm and secured the victory after a competitive 10-minute encounter Cole finished off Striker with a rolling Death Valley Driver. 

Post-match, Cole extended a handshake—only to be dismissed with a defiant gesture from Stryker—though Cole still left with the respect of both fans and peers. 

Queen of the Ring Championship -- Alexandra Quinn (c) def. Ravenna Vein 

The women’s championship match began at a deliberate pace, with both competitors jockeying for position and early control. Tension escalated as the action spilled to the apron, highlighted by Ravenna Vein’s vicious ear bite on the champion. Despite Vein’s aggression, Alexandra Quinn maintained composure and ultimately forced the challenger to submit, retaining the RIPW Women’s Championship and reaffirming her position atop the division. 

“The Black Cloud” Joe Black vs. “The Alpha” Jay Miller RIPW Southeastern Openweight Championship – No Contest (Count-Out) 

Brutality defined this championship encounter from the opening bell. Every strike and chop echoed through the venue, eliciting grimaces from the crowd as both men absorbed punishment. Joe Black controlled much of the match until Jay Miller seized an opening in dramatic fashion, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before delivering two emphatic leg drops. As Miller prepared a third, Black narrowly escaped, regaining the upper hand. Miller then exited the ring with the championship, allowing himself to be counted out while raising the title overhead. 

Moments later, Matt Griffin and Corey Lampley appeared to announce that the rivalry was far from over: Black and Miller will meet again at RIPW Unshackled, with the championship officially on the line. 

RIPW Tag Team Championship: Dark Passion Assassins (Neji Ichiban & Dante Darko w/ Stella Randy) (c) defeated  Kisses and Crosshairs (Grayson Pierce & Corinne Joy) 

This tag team championship bout stood out for its crisp teamwork and pacing. Both teams showcased strong chemistry and innovative tandem offense, keeping the crowd engaged throughout. With both teams absolutely giving it all from using hurricanrana’s to get out of finishers to jumping off your partner to do a spectacular spin as you land atop your opponent. Dark Passion came through in the end as they did a sitdown powerbomb for the winning pin. The match served as a reminder of the depth and quality within RIPW’s tag division, though its ramifications are likely to be felt in the weeks ahead. 

Six Man Scramble: Kasey Owens defeated Herculon Rage, Tyler Stevens, Jacob Johnson, Trevor Aeon and Hakeem Young 

Chaos erupted even before the bell, as Hakeem Young and Jacob Johnson exchanged heated words that quickly escalated into a full-scale brawl. Once the match officially began, the remaining competitors swarmed both men, forcing them out of the ring. The action spilled throughout the venue, with Kasey Owens and Hakeem Young battling near the fans while competitors collided everywhere. Owens and Tyler Stevens formed a temporary alliance, using teamwork to gain the advantage. Featuring suicide dives, stiff chops, and constant motion, the match lived up to its “total nonstop action” billing. Owens ultimately secured the victory thanks to the help of Tyler Stevens who had heaved Owens into Herculon Rage for a decisive pinfall. 

                     Darian Bengston (c) vs. Terry Yaki 

ACTION World Championship

The main event lived up to its billing as The Playas Ball’s marquee attraction. Terry Yaki challenged Action World Champion Darian Bengston in a bout already being discussed as an early contender for Georgia Wrestling Match of the Year. 

Both men delivered a high-level performance that capped the evening on a high note, leaving the crowd buzzing as Action Wrestling and RIPW closed their first event of 2026 with momentum firmly on their side. During the match Terry Yaki was showing pain in his left arm and throughout the match you could see the visible pain even more with Darian using everything in repertoire to target that arm and cause Yaki to tap out so that the reign of Darian Bengston continues. With rivalries intensifying and championships hanging in the balance, 

Players Ball proved to be more than just a strong start—it was a statement. All eyes now turn to RIPW Unshackled, where the consequences of this night will continue to unfold.